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April 1 kicks off Michigan’s 2019 fishing license season – as well as the new fishing regulation cycle – so if you want to fish Michigan’s waters, be sure to get your new license.
All 2019 fishing licenses are good for all species and are valid through March 31, 2020.
Anglers can choose from eight options:
- Resident annual – $26
- Nonresident annual – $76
- Senior annual (resident 65 or older or residents who are legally blind) – $11
- 24-hour (resident or nonresident) – $10
- 72-hour (resident or nonresident) – $30
- Resident hunt/fish combo (base, annual fishing, two deer) – $76
- Senior resident hunt/fish combo (base, annual fishing, two deer) – $43
- Nonresident hunt/fish combo (base, annual fishing, two deer) – $266
Regulation changes
Anglers should brush up on fishing regulations, too, including these new ones taking effect today:
- The statewide daily possession limit for yellow perch has been reduced to 25 (except as noted in the Fishing Guide).
- The daily possession limit for lake trout and splake combined in Lake Huron lake trout management unit MH-1 has been reduced from three to two.
- In addition to bass tournaments, walleye tournaments and muskellunge contests are required to register with the Michigan Fishing Tournament Information System.
- Drop-shotting is allowed on drowned river mouths (also known as Type F waters) but is limited to single-pointed hooks measuring one-half inch or less from point to shank.
Fishing from a boat? Enhance your experience and consider staying overnight in a harbor. Slip reservations at select harbors are taken up to six months in advance. The DNR encourages keeping safety in mind anytime you’re on the water, too, so always wear a life jacket and be aware of surroundings. Learn more about the latest boating and fishing laws and information to ensure a great time on Michigan’s waterways.For the latest on fishing licenses and regulations, the 2019 Michigan Fishing Guide is available at license retailers or online at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests. The online version is always current and available to download.
